Sanzen-in Temple Ennyu-zo Repository

Highlight

The vivid hues of the ceiling painting bringing to life the pure land of paradise

A reproduction of Gokurakujodo “the land of perfect bliss” so many aim for

Established by the monk Ennin, this temple is one of the monzeki ones (temple headed by a member of the Imperial family) of the Tendai sect.
For those who believe in rebirth in paradise, the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall (Important Cultural Property) is significant. And, the National Treasure Amida Sanzon-zo (the image of the Amida Triad) is enshrined here. Above the heads of the statues stands the oldest existing example of funazoko (literally boat bilge) ceiling decorated with the scene of gokurakujodo (the land of perfect bliss).
In the repository, that ceiling has been reproduced exactly in size and vibrant colors of the Fujiwara period when the original was painted. The repository also holds a large collection of handwritten ancient documents from across the ages, including Buddhist teachings, the Japanese language, Japanese history and records of the Imperial family members who have held residency in this monzeki temple. Each spring a special exhibition is staged. And, apart from that, the permanent collection features fusuma sliding door paintings by Japanese artists between the Meiji and Taisho periods, with a notable example being the work of Seiho Takeuchi.